CH 195.2

Chapter 195.2. The Girl’s Evaluation

-Gotou’s POV-

“The lowest of the low.”

“The lowest of the low?”

The Emperor calmly addressed Gotou, who stood with his back straight and alerted.

He had just been ordered to become a guard for Princess Sena and head to Takano County’s ranch dungeon.

At that moment, Captain Gotoe asked why the captain of the Royal Guards, even though he was in the Emperor’s presence, had to leave and be on guard duty.

“I divide people’s evaluations into ‘high, middle, low,’ and further divide those three into ‘high, middle, low’ for a 9-level evaluation.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I am aware.”

“I see. Gotou-kun, you know, right?”

The Emperor’s tone became casual, and he let a tired sigh, displaying an attitude shown only to those he trusted.

“While I think it’s not a good thing to assign levels in evaluating people, well, as an Emperor, I can’t help it.”

Gotou nodded, unable to hide his wry smile, in response to the Emperor’s demeanor, which resembled that of a tired old man.

“The Emperor leads the country and leads people. As you say, it’s inevitable. But still, the lowest of the low?”

“Yes. Takano Miu is the lowest of the low. In terms of personal evaluation, she’s the lowest.”

“The evaluation of the lowest of the low… That’s a rating I’ve never heard before. But that girl is a rare recovery magician. Isn’t that too low of an evaluation?”

Having heard the Emperor’s evaluations several times before, Gotou was surprised by the rating of the lowest of the low and asked in bewilderment.

The Emperor always considers the usefulness of every individual. He had thought that the low-middle was the lowest rating. Moreover, the girl in question was rumored to surpass Princess Sena as the most accomplished recovery magician in the current era.

“Hmm… well, that’s true. In that case, what about the evaluation of Takano Yoshiyuki from Gotou-kun?”

“Well… Even without magic, he is talented. Middle-high should be appropriate.”

He’s increasing their wealth, expanding their influence, Takano County had turned the tide of decline and was rising like a dragon to the sky.

His ability was formidable. Even without magic, his capabilities were high. In the political and business world, intelligence and cunning were far more important than magic.

“Middle of the middle.”

“Because he can’t use magic?”

Slightly surprised by the unexpected evaluation, Gotou looked at the Emperor and shook his head while fluttering his hand.

“No, it’s not that. This evaluation is probably correct. Yoshiyuki has some talent in management. If he had been managing for 10 years, he could have turned the deficit divisions into profits and revitalized Takano County.”

“I see… However, since Takano Yoshiyuki-sama became acting head, Takano County has flourished in less than a year, and some even call it a golden age.”

“That’s true. Takano County now has considerable wealth and is expanding its influence among the nobles. But, Gotou-kun, there’s a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding…? If I’m not mistaken, as soon as Takano Yoshiyuki-sama became acting head, he quickly ousted Kazamichi-dono and eliminated the opposition within the family who did not recognize him. And he has started various businesses.”

As the captain of the Royal Guards, Gotou gathered information about the current popular topic of Takano County. He was impressed by Takano Yoshiyuki’s skills.

However, in response to Gotou’s argument, the Emperor raised the corners of his mouth and let out a small laugh.

“No, no. To be precise, it was after Takano Miu became the head. I had a sense of unease, but I didn’t pay attention. I never thought that such a thing would happen unconsciously.”

“…So Takano Miu was pulling the strings behind the scenes?! Is that possible?”

Showing surprise with widened eyes at the unexpected words, the Emperor narrowed his eyes and directed a sharp gaze. With a chillingly cold stare, he solemnly nodded.

“I noticed it through Washizu’s condemnation. Originally, Takano Yoshiyuki was evaluated as good-natured and moderately capable even when working in the Ministry of Magic. He was never the cunning individual who is now rumored to be an incompetent magic user. Was he scheming to become the head? He can’t use magic. That’s impossible.”

“But… she is only 11 years old. How does she possess such power?”

“Most likely, a hermit who recognized her abilities has been assisting her from an early stage. No, he’s certainly lending his power. Hermits. They truly are troublesome beings.”

“I can’t believe it. But if what Your Majesty says is true, then she can’t be the lowest of the low?”

If that possibility exists, her talent is tremendous. It would be impossible to classify her as anything less than a genius. Goto broke out in a cold sweat.

“That’s why I want you to observe her closely. There must be times when she tries to manipulate the flow of conversation and events to her advantage. Like wanting to create a flower field in Kamakura, for example?”

I see. That’s why the Emperor used the mission of guarding Princess Sena as a pretext to have him act together, Gotou thought, understanding the reason.

“I have only given the lowest of the low rating only to one person before. It’s Duke Kanna.”

With a cold and solemn voice, exuding an aura of a ruler, the Emperor uttered his words.

Taken aback by those unexpected words, Gotou widened his eyes and swallowed hard.

“The lowest of the low refers to someone I can’t control. They’re exceptionally capable individuals. I leave it to you, Goto.”

“Yes! Understood, Your Majesty.”

Saluting, Gotou decided to carry out the order and take action.

And so, Gotou remained wary of Takano Miu, realizing that the Emperor’s words had been correct.

Recalling the recent events, Gotou steeled himself.

Takano Miu was a dangerous opponent. That’s why he had to show the Emperor’s power.

By demonstrating the strength of the Royal Guards in this attack and displaying their martial prowess, he would impose a deterrent.

He prepared for tomorrow’s attack with a firm resolve in his heart.